Osun election: Vote buying alleged as key figures cast ballots

The governorship election in Osun State is underway, with key political figures casting their ballots. Bola Oyebamiji, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, and former Osun State Governor and current Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, have both voted.

“

The move is to monitor voters and their ballot papers to ensure they cast their votes for their candidate.

Oyetola cast his vote at Ward 1, Unit 10, in Iragbiji, Boripe Local Government Area. Meanwhile, Oyebamiji and his wife were accredited and voted at Ward 9, Polling Unit 011, Gantry Area, Ikire, in Irewole Local Government Area. The election covers all 30 local government areas of Osun State, determining the governor who will lead the state for the next four years.

However, the electoral process was marred by alleged vote buying. Agents from both the Accord Party and the APC were seen engaging in the practice at AUD Primary School in Atile, Ikire, Irewole Local Government Area. Party agents were reportedly stationed near polling booths to monitor voters and their ballot papers. After a voter cast their ballot, an agent would hand over a tag, enabling the voter to collect their payment.

“

As soon as a voter casts his or her vote, a party agent hands over a tag to enable the voter to claim their cash.

An Accord Party agent, Ajayi Ayodele, was observed accusing APC agents of clustering around polling booths to monitor ballot papers. The report also indicated that the ruling Accord Party was involved in vote buying, with agents directing voters to a specific location to collect their funds after voting.

“

Aside from the APC, the ruling party (Accord Party) was also engaged in vote buying as he was seen directing voters to a destination after voting to collect their funds.